Any parent of teens knows that stress and anxiousness are common themes for these kids. The pressures of social media 24/7, the need to do well in school or sports and the challenges of teenage hormones are just a few of the difficulties they face. So when my pal Brian Leaf asked if I wanted to try his new card deck, Be You Card Deck for Teens I was a quick, YES!
This deck contains 60 mindfulness practices designed to help teens manage anxiety and build confidence. The cards are divided into themes such as “Stress Buster” “Mindfulness” and “Savage Zen.” Each card has several thoughtful and simple exercises teens can do to help manage the situation they are currently facing.
After giving these to my teens to try, and asking their friends we all agreed on the same conclusions. The ideas are wonderful, but in practice most teens might not decide to do such actions when prompted by their parents. They would be a great tool for the kids to use on their own, in private when they felt inspired to get some mindful ideas. Personally, I think the ideal candidate for using these cards are middle school and high school guidance counsellors and teachers. These supportive teachers/admin often work to get kids to share emotions, stories, situations and utilize tools to manage them. The cards are a wonderful way to open those doors of communication without pressure.
Additionally, I love these cards for adults! While the cards may be designed with teens in mind, the concepts are universal for all folks. Many adults might find the cards even more helpful then teens would and we tend to be more open to inquiries such as the cards provoke than those of younger generations.
So, if you are looking for a gift to share with a middle school teacher, counsellor and/or parent these might be perfect. If you know an open teen who is interested in things like mindful breathing, journalling and exploring their feelings these are also a great match.
You can get the cards and learn more about Brian Leaf here: BRIAN LEAF CARDS